Pages

Pages

Friday, May 24, 2019

Book Review: Put Your Best Foot Forward



TITLE: PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD: A HANDBOOK ABOUT YOU AND YOUR MIND
AUTHOR: DR. DARSHANA SARMAH
FORMAT: E-Book
PUBLISHER: BLOGCHATTER
PAGES:  67

This is an e-book released in the Blogchatter E-Book Carnival Edition 4 in the mental health category and focuses specifically on positive reinforcements.

The author Darshana Sarmah is a Ph.D. degree holder in Social Science. Mental health is her niche in blogging. She chooses to create awareness about different aspects of mental health and motivates to grow, develop and nurture a healthy mind set. This is her first e-book.

As the subtitle suggests the aim of this book seems to delve into the deep crevices of mind and find practices and solutions for leading a happier and more balanced life.

The author says in the preface:

“This book is a compilation of my experiences and learning, I gathered during my effort to transform myself into a happier being. This book discusses some very important aspects and ideas (which are either overlooked or considered insignificant) can actually bring wonders to our life if carry forward in a proper way.”

For a first time author this book comes across as extremely well researched and well-executed too. Her use of supporting quotes from well-established authors drives home the point in most chapters.

The topics chosen for each chapter are interesting and relevant to anyone seeking mental health answers.

The author brings in interesting first hand experiences to elucidate her points and that creates an instant contact with the reader, for instance:

“I remember been often accused by my Grandma of my "unmindful talking‟. Yes, I admit the fact that I was in the habit of getting lost and during any long conversation, which means I remained busy in my own uncountable thoughts rather than actually being in the conversation.”

Some of the pictures used in the book are also thought provoking and leave the reader in an introspective frame of mind, so crucial for any mental health practice.

The book also contains relevant and useful extracts and references to other works that have a significant reputation in this field, for instance the author quotes:

Michele Killough, in his doctorate research under Purdue University (1992), formulated the existence of three types of forgiveness. The first type, Detached Forgiveness, involved a reduction in negative affect toward the offender, but no restoration of the relationship. Limited Forgiveness, the second type, consisted of a reduction in negative affect towards the offender and partial restoration of and decreased emotional investment in the relationship. The third type, Full Forgiveness, was similar to the traditional concept of forgiveness and included total cessation of negative affect towards the offender and full restoration and growth of the relationship.”

The various techniques of these practices are elucidated clearly in bullet point format and hence are easy to comprehend and remember for any reader.

Overall it is a well-researched book written in a format and language for the lay-person and can be a great tool in self-help, highly recommended.

The book can be downloaded from:


The author can be contacted at @darshanasbh on Twitter

This review is a part of Blogchatter Book Review Program.


1 comment: